Development of relationship stage measures

Abstract

This article describes three studies undertaken to develop measures of relationship level based on Knapp's (1978) staircase model. First, we attempted to develop a quantitative index for relational stages. Second, we created a coding system for narrative data and assessed the reliability of coders; we also compared the two systems and found congruency. Third, we reworded the initial measure for frequency responses and examined their use for both social and task relationships. We factor analyzed the scale and created two 10‐item Escalating and Deescalating Scales. Meanwhile, we developed paragraph descriptions of the stages for possible use as a nominal measure.

Key concepts:

• relationship
• stages
• development
• measurement
• scale
• interpersonal